In Inuit mythology an ijiraq ( EE-yi-rahk or EE-ji-rahk) is a shape-shifting creature that is said to kidnap children, hide them away and abandon them. The inuksugaq (or inukshuk) of stone allow these children to find their way back if they can convince the ijiraq to let them go.
In Inuit mythology, Qiqirn is a large, bald dog spirit that terrifies the Inuit people. It is a frightening beast, but also skittish and foolish. Men and dogs run from it, and it runs from men and dogs. It has hair on its feet, ear, mouth and the tip of its tail.
When people approach it, they suffer fits. One way to scare it away is to shout its name.
